Elara’s POV

"Tell me, Alistair—do you find me attractive? Do you think I’m pretty?"

I reached out, my palm settling against Alistair’ cheek. The surface felt cold and mechanical, but I knew he could sense my touch through the robot’s sensors.

"Yes. Absolutely," Alistair replied. His voice emerged distorted through the electronic speakers, but the raw honesty underneath came through crystal clear.

"So... you showed up just to lift my spirits?" he wondered aloud.

"Not exactly," I shot back immediately.

Even if that were true, I couldn’t admit it outright!

Besides, I wasn’t just feeding him empty compliments. Every single one of them was incredible. How could I not want them all?

"I’m here to share my genuine feelings, Alistair. You know I have seven legitimate husbands, right?" I continued. "Each one is gorgeous, caring, and knows exactly how to make me smile. Can you imagine ending up with seven flawless men like that?"

Every man required a unique approach. Sometimes directness worked best; other times I needed clever tactics. Success demanded both authenticity and cunning. Managing it all felt exhilarating.

And naturally, if sweet talk failed... I could throw down when necessary.

Alistair still putting up walls? I had this handled.

Alistair released a quiet chuckle. He dropped his head, pressing his forehead to my shoulder as he whispered, "This is bizarre. I should feel furious, but instead my chest feels nothing but warmth. You’ve got me completely wrapped around your finger, Elara."

"Same here," I murmured back.

Then I really poured it on.

"Initially, your beast form terrified me," I confessed. "I expected something disgusting and ancient. But when I actually saw you, I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Alistair, why are you so incredible to me? You cared for me without resentment, gave me credits, and when you discovered Silas and me together, you didn’t lose your temper. You even showed up to help me work the earth. My serpent is honestly the most wonderful man on the planet. Having you... I’m incredibly fortunate."

I wrapped my arms around him after speaking.

That sealed the deal. Alistair was completely done for. He recognized I was trying to comfort him, but he had zero resistance left.

"Alright, alright. My mate is considerate and loving. A wise husband recognizes when to yield. I can’t be small-minded or possessive, or I’ll lose my position as Elara’s most devoted spouse."

"I was mistaken..." Alistair admitted.

I looked at him, puzzled.

Alistair explained, "Having you is our good fortune, Elara. Thank you for saving us from our darkness..."

He ached to kiss me, but he was trapped in 007’s mechanical frame.

I lifted my hand, tracing the cold metal outline of the robot’s mouth. Lowering my voice to a whisper, I said, "My darling Alistair, I can see the longing in your eyes. So... do I owe you a kiss right now?"

The angel and demon on my shoulders launched into their usual debate. The tiny angel scolded me for being so forward.

Seriously, you’re not even pretending to be subtle anymore.

The little devil snapped back immediately.

What are you going on about? This is genuine tactics. If you want to maintain peace, you need to know how to negotiate. They’re your husbands, not hostile aliens. Should you really battle them until everyone gets wounded?

You’re just being superficial. If he looked like some hideous parasite, would you be this sweet?

Everyone prefers attractive people over unattractive ones. Which of us is actually the devil? Besides their appearance, can’t you recognize their kindness? I adore them for their inner qualities. Their characters!

Exactly! You nailed it, little devil.

My eyes crinkled with amusement. Then again, snakes were adorable. Well, actually—most snakes were irritating. But my snake was precious.

Just picturing Alistair’ face made resistance impossible. He was the ideal doting partner.

"Elara..." Alistair’ voice shook. A pulse—his actual consciousness, not the robot’s—resonated through 007’s frame. "If you continue speaking like that, I’ll melt into nothing but a besotted fool."

Oh my! That tone is so tender.

I shut my eyes and laughed until I swayed. People really did say partners began mirroring each other. Silas enjoyed role-playing, and I indulged him. I loved being playful, and Silas went along with it.

Now I was the one smoothing things over, and Alistair understood exactly what I was doing.

"I love when we connect like this," I said gently.

"I’ll work hard to match your pace, so I don’t fall behind," he vowed.

"Well then," I teased, "have you chosen what type of fool you want to be?"

"What type appeals to you, Elara?"

"I like whatever type you are!"

Alistair was completely and utterly conquered. The light on his chest pulsed into a heart pattern. I always discovered new ways to captivate him. At this rate, the display was going to malfunction.

My morning had been incredibly hectic. After consoling Alistair, we finished preparing the greenhouse soil together. I then channeled my water ability to purify the earth and my plant power to accelerate growth. Large, perfectly rectangular strawberry plots emerged right before our eyes.

——

Alistair stared in amazement once again. He knew she possessed abilities, but he hadn’t realized they were this extraordinary.

He had witnessed Purifiers from the Valerion Empire cleanse soil previously. They worked in shifts, expended enormous amounts of energy, and progressed at a crawl.

But Elara? She simply knelt down, snapped her fingers, and the soil regenerated instantly, like sorcery.

Most significantly... she had dual powers?!

He had suspected it, but witnessing it firsthand left him speechless.

"Dear lord. Elara’s so amazing... and she was genuinely just consoling me?"